Submitted by rsteel on
New England Patriots over Atlanta Falcons: This bet takes nothing away from Atl they are obviously very good especially on offense. However like most Super Bowls it has little to do with X’s and O’s. Experience in general is overblown and it is an easy angle for lazy handicappers to latch on to. However when it comes to a game like this it is relevant. It usually takes 1-2 times getting there before you can win it. It becomes even more pronounced when you go up against NE and the combo of Brady-Belichick who this game has almost become routine. Give Belichick 2 weeks to prepare and the results are off the charts. Yes the combo of Ryan and Jones are dynamic and I do not expect NE to be able to completely shut it down they will limit the damage. Much is being made of the improved Atl defense are they are but NE gives up FG’s while Atl efficiency once the opposition gets into the red zone not as good. You cannot keep up with NE settling for FG’s. Lastly Atl is still a finesse team and that is not the style that generally gives NE trouble. What also is being overlooked is that surgical short passing game of NE and ATl trying to stop it without their best defender Trufant.